Yorkshire vets warn of killer rabbit disease

A Yorkshire vets is warning that a new strain of a deadly disease which kills rabbits without warning could be on the rise in the county.

Calder Vets, which has 13 practices across the region, is urging all rabbit owners to make sure their pets have up-to-date vaccinations to safeguard against a new strain of viral haemorrhagic disease known as VHD 2.

VHD 2 is a highly-infectious condition which primarily affects a rabbit’s liver, causing uncontrollable haemorrhages in one or more parts of the body and usually leads to death within hours of the animal falling ill.

Natalie McQuire, lead vet at Calder’s Halton practice, said: “This condition is spreading through the UK and we are concerned it could be on the rise in Yorkshire.

“I’ve seen two cases myself in recent weeks and it is likely there are more cases out there. However, unfortunately the only way to make an accurate diagnosis is after death with a post-mortem examination.

“It is highly infectious and causes sudden death, often with no tell-tale signs the rabbit is unwell. Most rabbit owners don’t then bring their pets into us after they have sadly died.”

The new variant of the virus has been in the UK since 2014. It is very hardy and can survive in the ground for many months.

It can be transmitted between rabbits via direct contact, insects such as flies, or on hay or vegetables. People may also bring it home on their feet after walking outside.

Natalie added that rabbits vaccinated with the standard myxomatosis/RHVD vaccine are not protected against this newer strain so need this additional protection to ensure they are not at risk.

She explained: “There is currently no treatment available which means the majority of rabbits die. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your rabbit’s vaccinations are up to date and effective.

“We recommend that rabbits are vaccinated to guard against VHD 2 as soon as possible.”

For more information about Calder Vets, which has practices in Dewsbury, Wakefield and Mirfield, visit www.caldervets.co.uk.